Jack's Question:

How long do fly lines last and how do you tell when it's time to replace them?

Jack String

Mark's Answer:

Jack,

It depends. If you fish frequently, the lines will get nicked and weaker. If you don't, but store or leave your rod out in the sun or other ultraviolet light, the line quality will degenerate.

You need to check your fly line regularly. I fish a lot of western streams and these rivers are full of rocks and gravel which are tough on the line.

When a line frays or gets nicked or gets a buildup of dirt and other flotsam and jetsam, the casting and floating properties are lessened.

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If you clean your fly line every so often, especially when you know it took a beating, the line will last much longer. Several companies make special salves and sprays to clean the line but the best method is with hot soapy water.

In fact, some of the applications to make your line shinier cause a filmy buildup which will shorten the life of your line.

Use a clean cloth to wipe the entire line, not just the first thirty-feet because when the reel is dunked in the lake or river, the entire line gets dirtied by silt and dirt and pebbles. Always clean your fly line each time after you fish in saltwater.

Weight-forward lines are the most popular lines today but there is still one advantage to purchasing a double-tapered line.

The weight-forward lines have one end of the line weighted to shoot and cast better. The double-tapered lines have tapered line at both ends so when one end is worn, you can flip the line around and have a new usable fly line.

You can't do that with a weight forward line.